Joint for connecting sink tops



Aug. 17, 1954 L. R. DAVIS ETAL 2,686,699

JOINT FOR coNNEcTING SINK ToPs Filed April 16, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l F I G. 5

12 l 17 1 l/J: 15 /10 S \\\\Y INVENTORS THOM-SS A. McCBRRN LRUSSELL DAVIS Allg- 17, 1954 L. R. DAVIS ET AL 2,686,699

JOINT FOR CONNECTING SINK ToPs Filed April 16, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FI G. 6. '3&5

2O FIG. e.

INVENTORS THOMAS A. Mc GARRAN LRUSSELL DAVIS ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 17, `1954 UNITED srArs statt lHJINT FOR C'ONNECTING SINK TOPS ration of California Application April 16, 1953, Serial No. 349,274

(Cl. S11-4) 14 Claims. l

This invention relates to joint arrangements. More particularly, it is concerned with providing a novel joint arrangement between adjacent metal sink sections and the like together with novel means for drawing the sink sections tightly together.

ln the past, considerable difficulty has been experienced in obtaining a tight joint between adjacent metal sink sections. As a result, openings or crevices have existed between the sections, with the result that no matter how small the crevices were, food particles and other debris would frequently collect within the crevices and remain 'there because of the difficulties involved in dislodging the same except with special tools. Water from cleaning cloths also collected in these crevices causing spotting and soiling of the sink sections. Sometimes the acids in the food particles that collected in these crevices would break through the enamel films or other protective coatings on the sink sections causing deterioration or the same. As a result of this imperfeet condition of installation of the sections, it was diidcult to maintain a clean and sanitary sink surface when using the joint arrangements proposed in the past.

Various devices such as molding strips and other fittings have also been proposed for use in sealing the openings or crevices between adjacent sink sections or the like and for drawing the sections closely together. These moldings, however, have not always been completely satisfactory for a number of reasons. Usually these moldings were of a complicated design and required special tools for emplacing the same. Seine of these molding strips could not be easily handled and were Very dii'cult to work `with in the close or cramped quarters which exist during the installation of the sink sections with the result that it was very dilcult to properly emplace the molding strips and obtain a tight'joint between the molding strips and adjacent sink sections.

In other instances, the complexity of the various fittings usedfor installing the molding strip rendered it diiicult to adjust the strip relative to the sections onceit had been emplaced, if adjustment was needed. t

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel arrangement for securely and tightly connectingtwo adjacent sink sections or the like together.

It is another object ofthis invention toprovide a novel joint arrangementfor joining adjacent sink sections or the like together, wherein a T- shaped molding strip is used. i i l It is another object of this invention to provide a novel joint arrangement between adjacent sink members or the like wherein novel means are used for drawing adjacent sections and a molding strip together, and whereby adjustments between the strip and sections can be easily made.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel arrangement for securely and tightly connecting two adjacent sink sections and 4 the like, while using a T-shaped molding strip,

wherein novel means are used for drawing the wings of the T-shaped strip down into tight en` gagement with the top surfaces of the sink sections at the saine time that the sink sections Vide a novel arrangement for securing together a molding strip and a sink section wherein novel means are employed for clamping the sink section tightly against the molding strip.

These and other objects are accomplished by providing novel means for drawing a sink section against one side of a molding strip wherein the molding strip is provided with an apertured stem. A wing member is located at one exe' tremity of the stern. This wing member projects away from the stem at a transverse angle thereto and is adapted to overlie the sink section. The sink section is disposed adjacent one side of the stem. This sink section is in turn provided with a top surface portion and a wall ele ment projecting downwardly therefrom with the wall element alsovbeing provided with apertures adapted to be placed in registry with the apertures in the stem of the molding stem. A pin member is insertable within the aligned apertures in the stern and the wall element and a flexible and angular wedge element is amxed to the pin. This wedge element is adapted. to engage the wall element on the said sink section and means are used for compressing this wedge element inwardly against the wall element whereby the wall element of the sink section will be drawn tightly against the steinV of the molding strip substantially simultaneously with the wing member on the molding strip beingl forced against the top surface of the sink section.

Other objects and advantages` of theinstant invention will becomermore apparent from a rel view of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken through two adjacent sink sections and a YT-shaped molding strip, just prior to the time that the two sink sections'are drawn tightly against the molding strip, and indicates one novel means for drawing the sections together;

Figure 2 is another cross-sectional view of the sink sections of Figure l, after they have been drawn tightly togetherby one of the novel means of the instant invention., when taken along the lines 2 2 of Figure 3;

Figure 3 is a framentary side elevational View of the novel joint arrangement provided by the instant invention;

Figure 4 indicates an arrangement for joining a single sink section to a molding strip, while using the novel Vclamping means lof the instant invenion;

Figure 5 is la fragmentary cross-sesional View taken through two adjacent 'sink sections and a T-shaped molding stripjust prior to the time that the modified novel clamping members of the instant invention are actuated to accomplish the Y same;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary ycross-sectional yview throughrthe joint arrangement "between the two adjacent sink sections and T-shaped molding strip of Figure 5, after they Ahave been drawn together;

Figure 7 is'an exploded perspective view ofthe novel clamping members shown in Figures 5 and 6, and indicates one Aarrangement that may be used for actuating the same; and

Figure 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectionalview taken through a joint 'betweena molding strip and one sink section, while Ausing one .of the novel clamping members shown in Figures '5 and 6.

With further reference to .the drawings, and in' particular to Figures 1 and 2, the novel joint arrangement between adjacent Ysink sections is and 'II contemplates theuse of a. T-'shaped molding strip I2. This molding strip ris provided with a stem I3 and oppositely projecting wings Ill and I5 ,which are located at `one extremity7 of the stem I3. Y

The wings I4 vand I5 ofthe T-shaped molding strip I2 are adapted to'overlie the top surface portions I5 and I'I ofthe adjacent vsink sections. These sink sections are valso provided with downturned walls I8 and 'I 9. The stem'of the T-shaped Ymolding strip is provided with one or more horizontally aligned elongated slots `2i? which are located in the intermediate portion of the stem, as well as one or more'additional slots 2l which are located in vertically `spaced `relationship with slotsZ!) on the stem i3, the slots 2l also being located preferably at the bottom portion of the stem I3 of the molding strip.

.'Walls I8 and Ie are also 'provided respectively with one or more upper'slots or openings 222 '23 together with one or more lower openings 2e and 25, the latter of which are located in 'spaced relationship with slots '22 and 23 on the walls S55 and I9. Y f

A short `pin or dowel member .26 is adapted to be insertedwithin the vertically elongated slots 24-and v25 of the wall elements I'8 and I9, as well as .the opening 2! in the stem I3 of the 'If-shaped molding strip, when all of 'the aforesaid openin gs Yin the various `members are placed in registry with one another. 'In addition, a second pin member 21 provided with 'a 'head portion 23,

4, which head portion may be in the form of a screwhead, is adapted to be placed in the elongated slots 2o of the stem I3 and 22 and 23 of the wall elements on the several sink sections. It is also obvious that more than one each of the pin members 2B and 21 may be used depending upon the results desired.

Affixed to the pin member 2l, preferably on both sides of the joint, is a flexible angular :clamping or wedge member 3). The intermediateportion of each of the wedge members su is provided with a line'of slots 3l through which the pinmember 21 is inserted.

rIt `will thus be seen that when a wing nut 32 for example is attached to the threaded portion of the pin member 21 and is turned, the exible orV resilient clamping members 3G will be compressed inwardly so that the upper eX- tremities thereof will contact the wall elements, while the bottom extremities thereof will be in bearing engagement with the dowel member El. Asa result, at the same time lthat 'the two wall elements I8 and Hof-the sink sections are drawn together, the 'stem I3 of the 'If-shaped molding strip I2 will be forced further downwardly in the opening between the ywall elements 58 and I9 of the sink sections, until the wings it 'and I5 of the T-shaped strip -IZ come into contactY with the top surfaces It and Il of the several sink sections.

Although in the preferred embodiment of the invention it is contemplated that two lexible clamping or wedge members 3B be employed, it'isV obvious that satisfactory results rnay also be obtained if only one wedge member Y'St is used on either side of the joint, since its action during compression will'force thetwo'walls i3 and i9 together simultaneously with forcing `the stem i3 of the .strip "I2 further `down into the 'opening between the downturned walls fo'f theseveral sink sections.

This T-'shaped molding strip I Zmay berna-de in the form of anextrusionor it maybe roll formed in any suitable manner. Y 1

In an advantageous embodiment oi the -invention it is also'possible, as indicated in `Figure 4, to utilize the wedge elements 3E) for securing the downturned wall I8 of a single 'sin-k section to a T-shaped molding strip. Forexampie, such an arrangement could `be used lat the ends and sides of sink sections, where they meetthe walls in the house or other building. 1n this case, the wing element Il of the molding strip rnay'also project upwardly as well as `outwardly and it would only be necessary to `use one wedge shaped element 3! which would be adapted -to engage V,the inner surface of the wallelem'ent I8 on the sink section 'I t. A washer 5 may also be located on the pin '2l adj acent the head portion 2S to prevent thehead portionV '23 from entering opening 25) on :the stem oi the molding strip I2. Thus, it will be seen 'that as the wing nut 32 is tightened, the nexible wedge or ngered element 3b will be 4(,:orripressed and expanded as vit were'in aplane parallel to the stem of the molding strip with the result that this clamping or wedge member 13a will serve to draw the wall I3 of the sink sectionlt close tothe stem I3 of the molding strip i2 simultaneously with forcing the Stem 'I3 foi themolding strip rfurther along the Vdownturned wall I8 ofthe sink section.

rihese wedge shaped members 3i! are preferablyV made of resilient springy vmaterial with the intermediate portion thereof which is 1in contact with `the pin member 21 being yprovided with suitably spaced apertures. addition, `each ywedge member 3l] although made from a exible material yet should be strong enough so as not to collapse through the leg member contacting pin member 2l upon application of compressive forces at the apex of the wedge member 30. This wedge member is bent to a predetermined angle and is deliberately weakened through the apex by the application of holes, slots, etc. to set up the compressive force necessary to apply balanced motions and forces upon the downturned members of the side walls and the pin member 2l in the T strip when direct force is applied to the apex of wedge members 3c. The amount of angle and weakening through the apex section of the wedge member 3d is a calculated predetermined factor to obtain the above mentioned action.

It is also within the contemplation of this in vention that the several pin members together with the wedge members and the wing nut may be utilized solely as a jig or compressive tool for drawing together adjacent sink sections or one sink section about a molding strip during the time that the sink section and/or sections and the molding strip are welded, riveted, or otherwise securely tied together. Thereafter the jig or tool consisting of the aforesaid elements can be removed.

` In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, and as indicated more particularly in Figures 5 and 8, a modied type of wedge member may be used in lieu of that shown in Figures 1 through 4 for bringing adjacent sink sections together about a molding strip or a single sink section about a molding strip. In this event, it is contemplated that the stem i3 of the T member be provided with a single row of apertures 20 while the wall elements i8 and i9 of the sink sections also be provided with a single row of apertures il and 42, which apertures are adapted to be placed in registry with the line of apertures 2t in the stem of the T. When the aforesaid openings are placed in registry one with another,

a pin member 43 provided with eccentrics or cam elements lll and 45 at the opposite extremities thereof is then thrust through the aligned openings. Thereafter, wedge elements 46 and 46 are then located or placed upon the opposite ends of the pin 43 at the point where the cam elements c and t are located.

, For the purposes of securing the wedge elements it and 46 to the pin member A3, one or both oi the opposite ends of the pin member 43 may be provided with a suitable threaded portion to which a lock nut 41 may be attached.

in a modified form of the invention, the wedge elements it? and de `may be held on the pin member d3 by means of the springy horseshoe locking clips 5t when they are located in the annular recesses 5l located at opposite ends of the pin member s3. i

` Each of the wedge elements lt and 4S is provided with a `base portion 4B and a flexible finger 9 which projects upwardly and away from the base member at an angle thereto and toward the wall elements of the sink section. When the pin member t3 is `rotated and with the wedge ele- V ments is and 46 locked thereon, the turning of the cam member as indicated in Figures andS will progressively cause the ilexible fingers 49 of the wedge` elements 46 and l4t" to be moved into engagement with thelundersurface of the top surface portions of the several sink sections, whereby the sink sections will be rst drawn up against the wing elements of the T-shaped molding strip and thereafter the sink sections will be drawn together and toward the stem of the T as the wing elements 49 are further compressed by the action of the eccentrics 44 and t5 and meet the sink sections at the point where the wall elements thereof project downwardly.

It is obvious that in some instances it may be desirable to employ a pin member d3 which is provided with but one clamping element 46' as indicated in Figure 8, when for example it is desirable to use this wedge shaped element 45 for drawing a single sink section against a T-shaped molding strip, as where the edge of a sink section is located adjacent the wall of a house. In this case, one of the wings l5 of the T-shaped molding strip would ordinarily be projected upwardly as well as outwardly so as to make a smooth and tight joint between the wall and the molding strip.

In view of the above discussion it will be observed thata novel arrangement has been provided for drawing several sink sections or one sink section close to and tightly about a molding strip. It is to be noted also that the various means employed may be utilized solely as a compressive tool or jig for holding the several sections or elements together during the time that they are permanently welded or riveted to one another. In addition, although the aforesaid joint arrangements have been described with reierence particularly to sink sections, it is cbvinue that the same arrangement can be used for drawing together other items such as cabinets or other products. Accordingly, the word sink sections as used in the claims are to be considered as generic to sinks, cabinets, etc Furthermore, the same type 0i joint arrangement may be used for joining articles made of othermaterials besides fnetal, such as those made of porcelain. enamel, plastics, or wood.

` It will be obvious that various changes can be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims, wherein what is claimed is:

l. Means for joining a sink section or the like and a molding strip together comprising the combination of a molding strip provided with an apertured stem and a wing member located at one extremity of the Stem projecting away there from, a sink section disposed adjacent one side of the stem, said sink section being provided with a top surface and a wall element projecting downwardly therefrom, said wall element also being provided with apertures to be placed in registry with the apertures in the said stemmi the molding strip, a pin member insertable within the aligned apertures in said stem and the said wall element, a iiexible and angular wedge element aiiixed to the said pin member and :adapted to engage the wall element on the said sink section, and means for compressing said wedge element inwardly against the wall element, whereby said wall element and the said sink section wllbe drawn tightly against the stem oi said molding strip simultaneously with the wing member on said molding strip being forced against the top surface of the sink section.

2. In a joint arrangement comprising the conibination of a molding strip provided with an apertured stem `and a wing element projecting therefrom at a transverse angle thereto, and a sink section disposed on one sido of the said stem, said sink section being provided with a top snrface and a wall element projecting `downwardly therefrom,"said wall element also being provided with apertures adapted to be placed in registryy with the aperturesin the said stem of the molding s rip, the improvement comprisingY means for drawing the wall element and said sink section tightly about said molding strip, said means including a pin member insertable within the aligned apertures in said stern and said wall element, -a flexible angular wedge element affixed tothe saidpin member and adapted to engage the wall element on said sink section and ineans for compressing said wedge element inwardly against said wall element whereby said wall ele-l ment and said sini-:section will be drawn tightly against the stemv of said molding *1' ltaneously with the wing element .on-said molding strip being forced against the top surface of said sink section. Y

, 3. Means for joining Yadjacent sink sections and the like together comprising the combination of a molding strip provided with an apertured stern and a wing member located at one extremity of the stein andl projecting away therefrom, a separate sink section disposed on sach side of the said stem, each sink sec-tion being provided with a top surface V and a wall element projecting downwardly therefrom, said wall elementsY also being provided with apertures adapted to be placed in registry with the apertures in the said stein, a pin member insertable within the aligned apertures in the stern-and the said wall elements, exible and angular wedge Yelements loosely mounted upon the .pin member at opposite ends thereof, each wedge element being adapted to engage the inner surface-of a separate wail element, and means for simultaneously compressing both wedge elements against theY wall elements,Y

whereby both of said wall elements and said sink Y sections will be drawn tightly against thestein of said moldingV strip simultaneously Vwith the wing member on said molding strip being forced` against the top surface'of a sink section.

V4. Means for joining adjacent sink sections andthe like together coinprisinglthe combination oi a molding strip provided with a stern having a plurality of vertically spaced apertures therein and a wing element projecting therefrom,

with similar apertures in the said stern of the molding strip, a pin member insertable within the lowerznostapertures of said stern and wall element, a second pin member insertable within the apertures in said stem and Vsaid wall`Y element l located above said first mentioned apertures, and.

a nexible angular. wedge member affixed at the intermediate section thereof to said last mentioned pin'rnember and adapted to contact the inner surface of the wall element and said first mentioned pin member and means for compresapertures in said stem Vand said wall elementV located above said first mentioned apertures, and a separate flexible angular wedge member affixed at an intermediate portion thereof to each end of the second mentioned pin and adapted to contact the inner surface of a wall meinberand said first mentioned pin, and means for simultaneously compressing both of said wedge elements against said wall members whereby both of said wall members and said sink sections Will be drawn tightly against thestern of the molding strip simultaneously with the wing element on said molding strip being forced surface of a sink section. V, 1

6. In a joint arrangement of the type. described wherein adjacent sink members and the like are tied together, the combination of a T-shaped molding strip provided with opposing wing members and a stern having a plurality of vertically vspaced apertures therein, a separate sink section disposed on eachside of the stem, each sink section being provided with a top surface portion and a wall projecting downwardly therefrom and located in `parallel relationship with and adjacent to said stem, each of said walls also being provided with a plurality of vertically spaced apertures which are adaptedto be placed in registry with the apertures in the said stern of the Vthe second mentioned' pin and adapted to contact the inner Asurface of a wall and said first mentioned pin and means for simultaneously comprcssingfboth ofY said wedge members finsing saldar/'edge element against thewall element Y Ywhereby said wall element and said sink section will be drawn tightly against the stem 'of Ysaid molding strip simultaneously with the wing elernen't on the said molding strip being forced against thetop surface of the sink section.

Ef. 'Means for joining adjacent sink sections and the like together comprising the combinai, tion of a molding strip provided with a stern having a plurality of vertically spacedVV apertures wardly against the walls whereby both of said walls and said sink sections will be drawn tightly against the stem of the molding stripl simultaneously with the wing members on the molding strlpbeing force-d against the top surfaces of the sink sections. I

7. In a joint arrangement comprising a T- shaped molding strip provided an apertured stern and wing elements projecting therefrom, and sink sections disposed on each side of the stern, each of said sink Vsections being provided with a top surface portion and a wall projecting downwardly therefrom, said walls also being provided with apertures adapted to be.

placed in registry with the apertures inthe stern of the molding strip, the improvement compris-V therein and Ya Wing element projecting therefrom, Y

Y a sink section disposed on` each side of the said stem,V each sinkY section beingv provided. witha tions tightly about'the molding strip,isaid meansV including a pin member insertable'within the aligned aperturesrin said stem and said-downwardly projecting walls', upwardly projecting ilex-V ible angular wedgeV elements afdxed to the opposite ends of: the pin and adapted to. engage the walls of -said sink sectionsand means for cornpressing the wedge elementsy inwardly against'V the walls, whereby said walls willlbe drawn tight` ly against the'stem of the molding strip s imultaneously with the wing' elements on the Vmolding against the top Y strip being forced against the top surfaces of the sink sections.

8. In a joint arrangement of the type described wherein sink members and the like are tied together, the combination of a molding strip prom vided with an apertured stem and a wing element projecting from one extremity thereof, a sink section located on one side of said molding strip, said sink section being provided with a top surface portion and an apertured wall projecting downwardly therefrom, a pin member insertable within the apertures in said stem and downwardly projecting wall, and means attached to said pin member for drawing the sink section and molding strip together, said means including a wedge element provided with a base portion directly attached to said pin member and a iiex ible iinger projecting at an angle upwardly and away from said base portion and adapted to contact the top surface portion of a sink section adjacent t e downwardly projecting wall thereof, whereby upon progressive upward movement of said wedge element the said flexible finger will first cause the sink section to be moved upwardly and into engagement with the wing of the molding strip and thereafter cause the sink section to be drawn against the stem of the molding strip, and means for moving the wedge element and the finger thereon upwardly.

9. The combination claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for moving the wedge elements upwardly includes a rotatable cam affixed to the pin member and engageable with the base portion of the wedge element.

10. The combination of claim 8 including a projecting element on said pin member engageable with said stem or" the molding strip.

11. In a joint arrangement of the type described wherein sink members and the like are tied together, the combination of a molding strip provided with an apertured stem and a wing element projecting from one extremity thereof, a sink section located on each side of said molding strip, said sink section being provided with a top surface portion and an apertured wall projecting downwardly therefrom, a pin member insertable within the apertures in said stem and downwardly projecting walls, and means attached to said pin member for drawing the sink sections about said molding strip, said means including wedge members provided with base portions directly attached to each extremity of the pin member, a flexible finger projecting at an angle upwardly and away from each base portion and adapted to Contact the top surface portions of the sink sections from underneath adjacent the downwardly projecting walls thereon, whereby upon the upward movement of said wedge members the said flexible fingers will progressively cause the sink sections to be moved upwardly' against the molding strip until the wing element is contacted and thereafter to be drawn against the stem of the molding strip, and means for moving the wedge members and the ngers thereon upwardly.

12. The combination claimed in claim 11, wherein the means for moving the wedge members upwardly includes a pair of spaced cams on the pin member, each one of which is engagem able with the base portion of a separate wedge member.

13. In a joint arrangement of the type described wherein sink members and the like are tied together, the combination of a T-shaped molding strip provided with an apertured stem and oppositely projecting wing elements, a sink section located on each side of said T-shaped molding strip, each sinl: section being provided with a top surface portion and an apertured wall projecting downwardly therefrom, a pin member insertable within the apertures in said stem and downwardly projecting walls and means attached to said pin member for drawing the sink sections about said molding strip, said means including wedge members provided with base portions directly attachable to each extremity of the pin member, a flexible finger projecting at an angle upwardly and away from each base portion and adapted to contact the top surface portions of the sink sections from underneath adjacent the downwardly projecting walls thereon,

whereby upon the upward movement of said wedge members the said flexible fingers will progressively cause the sink sections to be moved upwardly until the wing elements of the moif ing strip are contacted and thereafter to be drawn together against the stem of the molding strip and means associated with the pin member for moving the wedge members and the ngers there on upwardly.

14. The combination claimed in claim 13 wherein the means for moving the wedge members upwardly includes a pair of spaced cams on the pin member, each one of which is engageable with the base portion of a separate wedge member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Bonnell Jan. 15, 1952 

